Criminal Justice

Prison Isn’t for Everyone

June 14, 2016

Trent England

Writing in the Enid News & Eagle, OCPA's Trent England explains why four measures passed this legislative session are important steps in reforming Oklahoma’s criminal justice system.

Thankfully, a bright spot in this recent legislative session was the success of four measures sponsored by Rep. Pam Peterson and signed into law by Governor Mary Fallin. Together, the new laws mean fewer people who commit nonviolent crimes will wind up in state prison. Fewer people will be branded as felons for minor property crimes or possessing illegal drugs. More drug users will have access to Oklahoma’s drug court program that helps people escape addiction.

According to the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse, over 40 percent of Oklahoma inmates are in prison for drug and alcohol crimes. About 55 percent of prisoners either have or have had mental illness. Many people in Oklahoma’s prisons need to stay there, some for the rest of their lives, to keep our communities safe. Yet many prisoners have not committed violent crimes and pose more of a danger to themselves than to the rest of us.

Read the rest here.